ZANZIBAR GEM (ZZ) A GLOSSY FOLIAGE HOUSEHOLD PLANT

 

The plant Zanzibar gem, is lush and leafy, ZZ plant for short, also has other names Zanzibar gem, Zuzu plant, Eternity plant, Aroid palm having its origin in Africa botanically called Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It looks exotic but is tough as nails, thriving just about anywhere with only a slight care. Like snake plant, it has become a favorite among houseplant growers in India who love indoor greenery that do not require pampering or a perfect growing environment. Plant is also prized for its stunning foliage, which is so green and glossy it almost looks polished. At times the potted plant is a loved gift item sent on birthdays and wedding anniversary celebrations in cosmopolitan cities and towns. There are few other plant varieties in this species that have sporting variegated or deep purple leaves. In short the plant is preferred as an indoor decoration item because of it being a great indoor air purifier, filtering out airborne toxins such as xylene, toluene, and benzene. Easy to propagate from division or leaf cuttings. Can be grown outdoors in summer or year-round in warmer climates .Grows from thick rhizomes that store water, reducing the need for frequent watering.

 The Plant

The plant is herbaceous perennial 45-65 cm tall from a stout, underground, succulent rhizome. It is normally evergreen but becomes deciduous during drought, surviving drought due to the large potato-like rhizome, that stores water until rainfall resumes. The most visible branches are actually smooth, shiny, dark green, pinnately compound leaves. These are 30–50 cm long, with swollen, succulent petioles and 6 to 8 pairs of leaflets, each 7 to15 cm long. It grows slowly, reaching heights and widths ranging from 4o-65 cm.

Water content in plants and environmental requirements

It contains 91percent water in the leaves, and 95percent water in the petioles. It has individual leaf longevity of at least six months, which may be the reason it can survive extremely well under interior low light levels for four months without water. It may survive outdoors as long as the temperature does not fall below around 15°C; though best growth is between 18 and 26°C, while high temperatures give an increase in leaf production. In temperate regions, it is grown as a houseplant. Overwatering may destroy this plant through tuber rot. Bright, indirect light is best; some sun will be tolerated. Varieties In addition to the classic ZZ plant, there are several cultivars worth seeking out. 1. Raven: One of the newest ZZ varieties and one of the most dramatic, with leaves that emerge a bright lime-green colors and gradually turn a deep purple, almost black shade as they mature. 2. Zamicro: A dwarf version that grows slightly smaller under 30 cm in height with a more slender leaf shape. 3. Zenz: Another dwarf variety not taller than 45cm with smaller, slightly curled leaves.

Propagation

Plant can be propagated by leaf cuttings: typically, the lower ends of detached leaves are inserted into a moist, gritty growing medium, and the pot is enclosed in a polythene bag. Though the leaves may well decay, succulent bulb-like structures should form in the bag, and these may be potted up to produce new plants. The process may take upwards of one year. The plant can also be propagated by division.

Cultivation

The substrate used for growing must be well-drained and contain nutrients. It will have a disproportionate growth as the plant stretches towards a light source. When grown outdoors, it prefers part shade to full shade. Irrigation Plant roots are rhizomatous and have the ability to store moisture, thus aiding the plants in their drought resistance. The plants like regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering.

Soil and light

Mixture of tanned farm yard manure, washed river sand and red earth (1:1:1) ratio is good. For indoor plants, use a well-drained potting soil mix. Due to its strong green leaves, it is especially suitable for open, bright rooms. When grown indoors, the plant prefers bright indirect light but will tolerate low light conditions. However, lower light is not optimal for an extended period of time. Insufficient amounts of sunlight can result in leaves lengthening and/or falling off, yellowing (chlorosis), and generally uneven. Low to bright indirect light, such as from a north to east or west facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Plant also grows well under fluorescent lighting.

Usage

In traditional medicine, it is used in the Mulanje District of Malawi and in the East Samara mountains of Tanzania where juice from the leaves is used to treat ear ache. In Tanzania, a poultice of bruised plant material from plant is used as a treatment for the inflammatory condition known as mshipa. Roots are used as a local application to treat ulceration by the Sukuma people in north-western Tanzania. It contains acylated C-glycosylflavone apigenin 6-C-(6”-O-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaroyl) - β-glucopyranoside)

. Air purification

Study shows that, in a laboratory setting, the plant is able to remove volatile organic compounds in this order of effectiveness: benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene at a molar flux of around 0.01 mol/ (m2 day). The same study stated that any effectiveness on indoor environments is inconclusive.

 Toxicity

 All parts of the plant are toxic if consumed. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Also wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation. Being a part of the family Araceae, which includes many poisonous genera, such as Philodendron, Monstera, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia, Aglaonema and Spathiphyllum,all of which contain insoluble calcium oxalate. An initial toxicological experiment, on plant extracts using brine shrimp as a lethality assay did not indicate lethality to the shrimp, even at concentrations of extracts up to 1 mg/ml. The scientists conducting the experiment observed that, on the contrary, it could appear as though the extract contributed to improvements in the vitality of the larvae.

 Leaf care:

To keep the foliage nice and shiny, clean with a damp cloth as needed to remove dust. Misting the leaves occasionally will also reduce dust build-up. Keeping your plant dust-free is good for its health too, because the leaves will be able take in more sunlight.

Repotting

 Since ZZ plant is a slow grower and doesn’t mind living in cramped quarters, you don’t need to repot it often. If you want to keep your plant the same size, repot it every two years or so to refresh the soil and imp, put it in a new pot 1 to 2 inches in diameter wider than the current one. Because ZZ plant’s rhizomes spread laterally, its width is controlled by pot. The diameter of the rove drainage, putting it back in the same container after trimming away overgrown roots and stems.

 Pruning and shaping

Pruning a ZZ plant will not encourage new growth as with most other houseplants, but sometimes it is necessary to improve the shape the plant and to remove yellowing or damaged foliage. If your plant is overgrown, you can remove entire stalks by cutting them away at the base with a sharp knife or pruning scissors. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid skin contact. Yellowing of leaves is usually a sign of overwatering stalks are turning brown and mushy. Prune off the damage and wait until your plant dries out before watering again. It may call for change the soil and repot your plant to prevent root rot.

Brown leaf tips

Probably due to low humidity, under watering, or exposure to bright sunlight. Move your plant to a location that receives indirect light, and if the air is dry, mist the leaves occasionally. ZZ plants are generally pest-free but may occasionally be bothered by mealy bugs, scale, aphids, and spider mites. Good treatments for getting rid of these insects include washing.

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Courtesy: (DR.) B L PUTTOO and  Spade A Spade,2025